Associated Petroleum Gas / Flare Gas

- The solution of APG

Associated petroleum gas (APG) is also known as flare gas or field gas. APG can be converted to power at high efficiency utilising gas engine generators. This power can be used for the provision of electricity and heat on-site whilst eliminating the cost of diesel deliveries to remote areas. The utilisation of APG as a fuel for a generator is an excellent way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions that might otherwise result from diesel fuel consumption.

The Gas engine Concept

In most cases, installations of power generation with associated gas are in remote areas. Power supply in such areas – if it exists at all is often poor. Therefore, the common solution in the past was to use diesel gensets. Due to rapidly rising oil and consequently diesel fuel prices, this solution has become increasingly uneconomical. Furthermore, the supply of diesel fuel and the necessary storage also are becoming more expensive. The composition of associated petroleum gas is often well suited for the combustion in gas engines. However treatment in the form of dehumidification and removal of condensable hydrocarbons from the gas is generally required. Due to the often relatively high content of higher hydrocarbons, a derating of the nominal natural gas output may be required. In the case of a high concentration of H2S, desulphurisation of the gas may also be needed. The gas that is treated in the above-mentioned way is a valuable fuel for the independent power supply with gas engines. The engines are normally installed in containerised units with all peripheral systems (ventilation, silencers, cooling, control room) installed inside or on the roof. Depending on local demands, the waste heat from the engines can also be used for heating or cooling purposes on site.

Advantages

Generation of electricity combined with the simultaneous disposal of a problem gas

Use of waste by-product of the crude oil production process instead of diesel fuel to avoid costs for fuel transportation over long distances

Independent, on-site power supply

High profitability with overall efficiency of up to 90%, in the case of combined heat and power, and up to 44% in the case of power generation only.

Smooth operation despite fluctuations in composition and impurities (within given limits) in the gas

Depending on gas composition, full output of the corresponding natural gas engine version

Avoidance of liberation of methane into the atmosphere, which has 21 times the global warming potential of CO2

Maximum availability and reliability despite high or low ambient temperatures.